To create a new character you need the following information:

Character Name:  Obviously the name of your character.  This is a Fantasy world; do not use names like BobSmith12.  If you're unsure of a fantasy name then view some current characters' names in the character archives, or look at some Old English writings and mythology.  If all else fails there are character name generators on the web so you can try one of those.

General Stats: Do not worry about bonuses to other stats, add racial bonus into your scores.  Roll them using your favorite method, but remember in this game you're dealing with normal everyday people attempting to prove themselves not shining heroes with 40-inch biceps.

Str:
Dex:
Con:
Int:
Wis:
Cha:

Coin: Common coins are copper, gold and silver.  New chars start off with nothing; you have to earn your keep. Don't worry its not as bad as it sounds.

Weapon: New characters start off with one weapon of choice that they are considered proficient in without any other necessary feats/skills.  They may pick up new weapons during the course of their adventures but may not be proficient in them until they are taught.

Feats: New characters can pick any two 1st level non-race specific feats; class distinctions are irrelevant since there are no classes.
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Skills:  Every character has some non-combat skill they are good at, whether it be woodworking, blacksmithing, weaving, fishing, etc.  You get to choose two skills.

Primary Skill:
Secondary Skill:

Clothing/Gear:  New characters don't get any armor and start off only with the clothing on their backs.  You can describe it anyway you want, but don't expect to sell you fancy silk outfit for any money and none of them are magic or offer any protection.  No other gear will be allowed.  Any additional gear will be picked up during the course of the game.

Description:  New characters descriptions should include physical appearance, race, history, (no limit on size) and why your character felt the need to take up the challenge.

Optional items are: E-mail address or ICQ/Instant Messenger screen names/etc.

This will be where you will put all of your characters actions, speeches, etc. into the game.  Everyone-else will react based only upon what you put here.  Try not to put multiple conditional actions up as it confuses other players.  Also remember this game is player driven so if you don't say/do anything, nothing happens to your character.

One of the most important things to remember is that all posts are to be written in the third person perspective.  Instead of saying, "He starts a fire."  You should say, "Leo starts a fire."  It makes things very confusing when everyone else has to try and figure out who "He" is.

A new characters' very first post should be him/her arriving in the area, or describing their thoughts and emotions inspired by the journey to reach the place where they are, as well as their initial actions. Try to do something to attract somebody to interact with you. Or do something completely original, just don't try to kill somebody your first day that makes a really bad first impression.

One purpose of this first post is to allow people to see your writing style and give them a chance to interact with you right away.   Use it as you see fit, but it is best used to give people a first impression of what your character is like.  Don't worry if you think you aren't very good with writing, it will improve over time as you interact with other players and your characters personality solidifies in your mind.

No Bunnying, that is...Never attempt to control the actions, thoughts or emotions of any other character or NPC (non-player character).  Only I, as DM can do that.  And I tend not to unless circumstances dictate that the character will act, well, out of character.  I am lenient about extremely mild bunnying, but will not tolerate any abuse.  Inappropriate posts will be removed.

New characters start with the weapon of their choice and the clothes on their back, no armor, no food, two skills that they know and no tools.  That's it.  You're on your own.  Characters are welcome to trade between themselves or pick up items anyway they can, provided they have the skill to. Which means no making of spear unless someone has weapons making abilities and the materials.

In order for your characters to learn new skills they have to learn them from other people or learn by trial and error.  The DM will determine when or if you are successful.

Those who choose magic as their special skill start off with one rune only (named in advance), no spell book, but materials to write a maximum of four runes down and they must learn new ones from others.

The magic skill cannot be taught to those who haven't initially chosen it.

There are no weapon restrictions but there are practical ones.  Use some common sense when choosing an appropriate weapon.  Which means no dwarf wielding a two handed broadsword.  After all, how is he going to carry it all the time?

We will start with the assumption that you have had enough practice in your weapon of choice not to stab yourself when you try and sheathe it (unless you tell me that you have specifically chosen a weapon other than one you were trained in then all bets are off).

Once again, no magic items and no armor.

Priests will be at the lowest level with only one answered prayer per day in game time.

These rules are subject to modification as needed.  Any additions, deletions, or modifications to these rules will be posted on the OOC Discussion forum as well as this page.  You are more than welcome to discuss, propose, and/or question changes or improvements to the game.

If you have any other questions, check out our FAQ under PBP: General

--Can I join in the PBP/Fun/Challenge?
Simply put yes. It is currently open to all new players, but there are a few requirements.

I suggest after reading at least the last few posts that you check out the rules and background before creating a character.  Then either e-mail me directly at keltic_corman@yahoo.com. Do not post directly to the game thread until after I tell you.

--Do I need a full character sheet for a new character?
I don't require a full-blown character sheet.  This is a relatively free form game, check out the PBP: General forum to see what we do require in addition to a general description of your character.  A character can be created in as little as a few minutes.

--How often do I have to post?
As often as you like, but be warned you should like to communicate! Characters who sit sullen and say nothing sometimes are left behind because people forgot they were there when everyone else wandered away.

--How will I know what to do? Where I am?
Like always I'll start with a post of where you are and what happens then everyone will reply to it with his or her actions and it will go wherever you want to take it.  Often you will be interacting with other players so take your cues from them.

--What if I have a message for the DM/players?
If you have questions/comments for the DM/players make sure you use the forums or: OOC (out of character) and if include any in character actions in the same post make sure you preface it with: IC (in character). Otherwise anything you send out will be considered in character. If anyone sees a term they aren't familiar with check the Terminology section of the website (www.oocities.org/keltic_corman/atrias.html) and if they have new terms, let me know and I can add them to the site so it can be more useful to everyone.

--Are there designated times new players will be introduced?
Since this is relatively open I will allow characters to enter at almost anytime during the game to keep things lively. Also in the event your character meets an unfortunate demise you can come up with another one. The nature of the game is such that there could be any number of challengers looking for the way home and are wandering all over.

--Why are people left behind?
If the last thing you say is I'm going to shoot the orc and I don't hear from you after a couple of posts, I'm going to assume that while everyone else is looting and running away, you're standing there plugging arrows into that corpse while the wolves close in behind you.   One poor character just stood there while the others fought a spider to a stand still then ran away.  After a while they realized the player hadn't posted in a while leaving the character all by her lonesome with giant spider...what a way to go.

These rules are subject to modification as needed. Any additions, deletions, and/r modifications to these rules will be posted on this forum as well as the PBP Rules web page: http://www.oocities.org/keltic_corman/general/pbp_rules.html